Playing Still: The Dean of Afro American Composers

Concert Details

This string quartet performance weaves a rich tapestry of African-American music history, shining a spotlight on the music of William Grant Still, hosted by scholar and music educator, Dr. Rufus Jones, Jr.

Esteemed musician and Still scholar, Dr. Jones narrates the concert with enlightening commentary on William Grant Still, the first black American composer to have a work performed by a major American orchestra and the first to conduct a leading American orchestra.

Audiences experience Still’s evolution as a composer through his string quartets:

Lyric QuartetThe Prince and the MermaidSelections from the Little Folk Suite CollectionSummerlandDanzas de Panama

PLAYING STILL is a spirited and enlightening way to celebrate Black History Month!

Running Time75 minutes (can be shortened to accommodate a school performance of 45-50 min, or as needed.)

Treasures from the Spanish Providencia

Concert Details

Land ho! This performance is packed with adventure, featuring tales of Spanish sailors, a legendary shipwreck, Spanish-inspired music, and a wealth of coconuts!

Join Palm Beach Symphony’s string quartet on a musical journey back to Old Florida and the Spanish influence that gave root to so much of the state’s history.

Unique multi-media-infused musical experience – Audiences “ride along” on a video tour of Palm Beach with fifth generation Floridian, Harvey E. Oyer, III, as guest host and historical guide. Through Oyer’s video narration, viewers learn about the shipwreck of a 175-ton Spanish brig called Providencia, the treasures it brought to our shores, and the community it helped build.